TUCSON, Ariz. — Dozens of people are seeking shelter at the community center on Mt. Lemmon after Catalina Highway was shut down Thursday afternoon.
According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, dozens of people -- ranging in age from children to the elderly -- were given blankets and refreshments as they were waiting to be escorted down the mountain on Thursday.
Deputies say a 4x4 vehicle was scheduled to help escort but was not able to make it up the mountain because a semi-truck jackknifed in the slippery road conditions. It blocked the roadway but was moved to the side of the road by 7 a.m.
PCSD didn't say whether anyone was injured in the crash, but deputies say the driver of the semi was not there and likely sought shelter at the community center.
Catalina Highway is still closed.@PimaSheriff deputies are checking for proof of residency or employment to get through pic.twitter.com/1UmbFG4Vpq
— Natalie Tarangioli (@ntarangioli) December 28, 2018
PCSD also says there was a blackout because of weather conditions and it took hours for power to be restored, since there were problems with generators. Power was restored Friday morning and everyone is said to be OK.
The Catalina Highway was reopened only to residents and employees with four-wheel drive and chains at around 7 a.m. Anyone hoping to drive up the highway still has to provide proof of residency or employment ID.
This is a developing story, stay with KGUN9 as more information becomes available.
